Rich, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender—this is the cozy comfort food your skillet was made for.
There’s something magical about a dish that brings people together with every forkful—especially when it’s packed with bold flavors and made in just 30 minutes. Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is the ultimate weeknight winner: juicy, pan-seared steak, a smoky paprika kick, velvety cream sauce, and pasta shells that cradle every drop of flavor. This is comfort food with a bold personality.
Whether you’re curled up on a rainy evening, cooking a special dinner for two, or feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight, this recipe checks every box. It was inspired by Eastern European paprika-rich stews and the indulgent cream sauces of Italian cuisine—an irresistible fusion of two comfort food powerhouses.
Ready to turn your skillet into a flavor bomb? Let’s get cooking. 🔥
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe
✨ Fast and Easy: 30 minutes from prep to plate.
✨ Comforting and Filling: Rich cream sauce + pasta + tender steak = pure satisfaction.
✨ Flavor-Packed: Smoked paprika brings depth, while Parmesan adds umami.
✨ Flexible: Use your favorite steak cut or even substitute with chicken or mushrooms.
This dish is proof that luxurious flavors don’t need to take hours to develop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this dish so special:
- 12 oz shell pasta: The little pockets hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye): Choose a cut with marbling for tender, juicy bites.
- Salt & black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the steak to golden perfection.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika: The hero of the dish—smoky, sweet, and warming.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that luscious, velvety texture.
- ½ cup beef broth: Deepens the flavor and balances the cream.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a savory, cheesy finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, bright garnish that makes it pop.
How to Make Creamy Paprika Steak Shells – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water—you might need it to loosen the sauce later!
💡 Tip: Shells are ideal for this dish because their curved shape catches all the creamy sauce and steak bits!
Step 2: Prep the Steak
While the pasta cooks, cut your steak into bite-sized cubes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the smoked paprika. This step infuses the meat with that distinctive smoky warmth before it even hits the skillet.
🥩 Pro Tip: Bring your steak to room temperature before searing for even cooking and the perfect crust.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned on the outside and still juicy inside. Remove the steak and set it aside on a plate.
🔥 The secret to beautifully browned steak? Don’t move it around too much. Let it develop that golden crust!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Paprika Sauce
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